Oklahoma Population 2016

3,943,066

The southern central state of Oklahoma is the 20th largest in the US by area and was the 46th to enter the Union. Over the years, its population has grown steadily to the point where it is edging toward a landmark of 4 million residents in the present day. Oklahoma has an estimated population in 2016 of 3.91 million, up from 3.75 million at the 2010 Census. Its growth rate is currently 0.84%, which ranks 24th in the country.

As with all states within the US, the nationwide Census of 2010 provides Oklahoma's last confirmed set of population figures. The census revealed that the population of Oklahoma was 3,751,351, which represented an increase of 8.7% on the figures released in 2000. The estimated 2016 population has now reached 3,911,338, which makes Oklahoma the 28th most populous state in the country.

Oklahoma has a fairly low population density that keeps with its ranking in terms of size and population numbers. The total surface area measures 69,898 square miles (181,195 square kilometers) and for every square mile of Oklahoma territory, there is an average of 54.7 people per square mile. This makes Oklahoma the 35th most densely populated state in the country and 20th in terms of size.

How Many People Live in Oklahoma ?

3,943,066

Oklahoma Population Chart

Oklahoma Population History

In 1890, Oklahoma had a population that stood at an already healthy 258,657, but substantial increases on those numbers were to follow. Ten years later at the beginning of the 20th century, the figure had climbed by just over 200% to 790,391 and a further significant rise took the Oklahoma population to 1,657,155 in 1910.

That pattern continued, but in the mid 1900s, censuses recorded two falls in population for 1940 and 1950. The drops were modest in terms of percentages, but they took the numbers down from 2,396,040 in 1930 to 2,233,351 twenty years later.

Since then, however, the overall trend has been one of modest growth, and the Oklahoma population in 2016 has progressed to the point where it is poised to pass the 4 million mark at the 2020 Census

Oklahoma Population Growth

The US Census of 2020 is likely to indicate further growth within Oklahoma, and it will be interesting to see whether the state can reach its next milestone of 4 million people by that time. According to state projections, Oklahoma's population will reach the milestone of 4 million by 2020, and top 5.5 million by 2075, although projections past 2050 can, at this point, be very inaccurate.

Oklahoma Facts

A French trading post in Salina in Mayes County was the first permanent white settlement back in 1769.

Oklahoma has the largest American Indian population in the country.

Oklahoma was originally called "Indian Territory" and was reserved for Native Americans. However, the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush resulted in 50,000 people swarming the area on its opening day.

Guthrie was the original capital of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has more tornadoes per square mile than any other state.

The state is known for being the center of the Bible Belt.

The Port of Catoosa is the country's largest inland port.

Oklahoma Population Density by County

Population

Density

Growth Since 2010

State Rank

% of State

Oklahoma Population Growth Rate by County

Oklahoma is made up of many counties -- 77 to be exact. When data from the 2010 Census was compared to 2015 Census Bureau estimates, significant population growth and losses were recorded across the state. The highest population growth was recorded in the central region of the state. Canadian County posted a growth rate of 14.65%, by far the highest increase in the state. Its neighboring counties of Oklahoma, Logan, and McClain also posted high population growth rates of 7.73%, 9.34%, and 9.62% respectively. Other counties that also recorded growth include Woodward, Beckham, and Custer.

As far as declining populations, the highest loss came in the westernmost county of Cimarron, which had a loss of 9.81%. Other high declines were recorded in Latimer and Tillman Counties, while smaller losses being seen in counties including Beaver, Coal, and Pittsburg.

Population Pyramid

Population by Race

Race

Population

Percentage

Historically, Oklahoma was home to many American tribes, and this remains a Government sanctioned territory for Native Americans. That fact is reflected in further demographics with a sizeable proportion of Oklahoma residents claiming Native American ethnicity. Oklahoma is home to the second-highest number and percentage of Native Americans among all states in the country.

As far as other races, Oklahoma tends to fall right around the middle when compared to other states. Its population of blacks and African Americans, both in terms of total number and percentage when compared to total population, is ranked 26th in the nation. The state is also ranked 28th for its total number of Asian inhabitants when compared to the other 49 states, and percentage-wise, the state ranks 30th with is a lower percentage than the nation as a whole.

Languages Spoken in Oklahoma

Language

Population

Percentage

Population 5 years and over

3,521,583

100

English

3,238,038

91.95

Spanish

224,325

6.37

German

10,490

0.3

Chinese

6,915

0.2

French

5,030

0.14

Cherokee

4,785

0.14

Muskogee

3,120

0.09

Choctaw

2,515

0.07

Kru, Ibo, Yoruba

2,470

0.07

This chart shows the top 10 non-English languages that are spoken at home in Oklahoma . The data comes from the most recent release of the American Community Survey (ACS).